Romney scores key backing in early primary states

Mitt Romney on Monday rolled out high-profile endorsements from a couple of former senators, giving him some powerful allies in two of the key early primary states in the Republican nomination process.

Ex-Sens. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, and Mel Martinez of Florida, said the former Massachusetts governor’s record in government and private industry makes him the right person for the job.

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“Whether it was as governor, during the Olympics or as a successful businessman, Mitt Romney has shown that he can turn around struggling enterprises,” Mr. Gregg said. “Right now our economy needs a turnaround.”

With the nation’s unemployment rate stuck at 9.1 percent, Mr. Martinez, who will serve as chairman of the Romney campaign’s National Advisory Council, said that the country needs a leader to get the federal government’s “fiscal house in order.”

“From his experience in the private sector, Mitt Romney understands how the real economy works and how jobs are created,” he said. “As governor of Massachusetts, he balanced the budget without raising taxes. I am proud to support him.”